BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — No. 7 Florida Atlantic defeated No. 10 Temple, 63-59, in the first round of the 2026 American Men’s Basketball Championship on Wednesday evening at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
With the win, Florida Atlantic (18–14) advance to face No. 6 North Texas in the second round on Thursday, March 12, at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
 
Florida Atlantic took a 29-27 lead into halftime after shooting 41.4 percent from the floor. Despite shooting just two first half free throws, the Owls shot 4-for-8 from behind the arc, while Temple was held to 1-for-3 from deep.
 
With Florida Atlantic holding a two-point lead with 7:39 remaining in the game, the Owls went on a 9-0 run to take a 57-46 lead with 3:45 left in the game – the largest lead of the game for Florida Atlantic. Temple scored six points in 37 seconds with under two minutes to play to cut the deficit to two points with 1:22 remaining in the game.
 
A steal by Aiden Tobiason with 21 seconds remaining gave Temple an opportunity to tie or take the lead, but Florida Atlantic forced a Temple turnover on a drive to the basket by Derrian Ford to get the ball back and secure the win.
 
Florida Atlantic was led by Niccolo Moretti with 19 points, while Kanaan Carlyle scored 12 points.
 
Derrian Ford led Temple in scoring with 16 points, including 11 in the second half.